***
Mara opened her eyes. She was still alive. The huntress glanced around, but didn’t recognize her surroundings. Black tendrils surrounded her, writhing like serpents. This wasn’t the Dark Labyrinth, though she had been in a similar place before. Mara was now inside the twisted divine. At least Nightingale remained by her side. If Kallisto thought this was going to get rid of the huntress, she was mistaken. Mara rose to her feet and glanced around. She needed to find the core and destroy it.
As soon as she took a step, a black hand burst from the ground and grabbed her right leg. It startled Mara, making her slash at the hand. After a few swings, it released her. Another one appeared and snatched her left arm. Mara tried to pull away, but froze upon seeing the arm attached to Kallisto. The goddess glared at her.
“You will pay for your insolence!” Kallisto yelled.
Mara struggled out of her grasp, then stabbed the goddess. Kallisto didn’t appear to have much of a reaction and dissolved into the ground.
The huntress looked disturbed. “A manifestation?”
Whatever it was, it wasn’t the real Kallisto. She looked ahead and saw a light shining at the end of the tunnel. She ran in the direction of the light.
It didn’t take long to find the core. In place of the core was the body of Kallisto, or what remained of it. The goddess’ face was fractured. Larger cracks decorated the sides of her head. The eyes and mouth were charred black as if they were burned from the inside-out. There were even more cracks present on the body. Both her arms and legs were replaced by black tentacles stretching in various places.
Mara gawked at Kallisto before glancing down at her chest. The soul of Aazalith pulsed within. Magic flowed out of her body, unable to be contained. The huntress gazed up at the goddess’ face. Kallisto’s eyes were closed. She appeared to be unconscious. Mara looked down at her sword before returning her gaze onto the enemy. Upon taking a step, Kallisto’s eyes flew open. A black ooze poured from her eye sockets, similar to what Amara had. Realizing the huntress was standing before her, the goddess glared at her.
Instead of saying anything, Kallisto just screamed. Blue flames flared up around her. Mara took a step back and raised her left hand to shield her face. As soon as Kallisto stopped screaming, the flames dissipated. The huntress lowered her hand and gazed back at the goddess.
Mara shook her head. “How the mighty have fallen!”
She raised Nightingale and stabbed Kallisto. The goddess released a loud gasp as she looked down at the sword imbedded in her chest. Then she glanced up at the huntress. Kallisto’s face twisted in horror and agony. Her face grew distorted and her eyes bugged out of their sockets. She screamed at Mara again while being engulfed in blue flames. The goddess was vaporized before the huntress’ eyes. Mara was blinded by the bright light as the flames engulfed her as well.
***
Mara awoke to the scorching pain rushing through her veins. The huntress had never been so grateful for being an undying, even though it was always her goal to lift the curse. Considering what happened, Mara doubted she would’ve been successful as a regular human. Opening her eyes, her vision was blurred. The haze eventually cleared, and the first thing she saw was Nightingale by her side. At least the sword remained intact, but her attention was drawn to the pommel. Sparks came out of the moonstone. Deep cracks formed in it, then it shattered into fine dust. Mara frowned upon losing a keepsake of her father.
After gripping Nightingale, she rose to her feet. Her body ached in pain. With her hand on her head, the huntress began to remember what happened. Both her and the goddess were caught within the explosion, but Mara returned to life.
A deep rumble bellowed within the earth. The explosion could be felt in the deepest depths of the Dark Labyrinth. She turned her head and saw the divine. The monstrosity was already dead, burned from the inside out from the explosion. The corpse had collapsed, covering the edge over the chasm. Body parts fell off and crumbled away into the depths below as black fumes rose from the remains.
A terrible stench filled the air, making the huntress cringe. When the black smoke lifted, she found what remained of the fallen goddess. All that remained of Kallisto was a blackened skeleton with organs. She was barely recognizable, save for her head and the upper part of her chest. All of her hair was burned off. Blood and fluids oozed from various sores on her burnt face and scalp. Her organs liquified, turning into black sludge. Black ooze seeped from her eye sockets. Mara stared at Kallisto’s decomposing face and shook her head.
“How the mighty have fallen indeed,” she murmured to herself.
If this was the price of power, then the former goddess paid a very high price. Kallisto’s soul was caught in the explosion and no longer existed. It was over. The huntress watched while the rest of the false goddess melted away. A healing stone was left behind. Very convenient for Mara, considering she risked her human form to defeat the twisted divine. She kneeled down and claimed her prize. The huntress decided to use it later at a safer place.
After putting the stone away, a glowing orb surrounded in blue flames drew her attention. Mara lifted her gaze to Aazalith’s soul. It looked much smaller than before; the soul could be held in her hands. It was possible much of its magic had been burned away. She was unsure about absorbing the soul after witnessing Kallisto’s transformation. But Mara remembered Morgan’s advice. It seemed to be the only way to get the Thoron Sages to help remove her curse.
Reaching out her hand, Mara watched as the orb flowed into her. She could feel the immense power of the divine’s soul. The magic began to spread over her whole body. A tingling sensation overwhelmed her. After absorbing the soul of Aazalith, the huntress passed out.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Flight of the Nightingale
“Can you hear me?”
Mara’s eyes fluttered open upon hearing an old man’s voice. She recognized the short and round man with white hair. Although he looked rougher with his clothes appearing dirty. His hair also had some dirt.
“Mr. White?” Mara asked. She couldn’t believe he came all this way down here to find her.
He looked relieved. “Thank goodness you’re alive!”
She watched him and frowned, wondering why he didn’t express revulsion at her undead appearance. Mara reached for her face and felt it. The scars were gone and her face was fuller. She regained her human form, but how? The huntress glimpsed into her pocket. The healing stone could’ve shattered and released its magic. But it remained intact. Then she realized what happened. The huntress absorbed the soul of the divine. It made sense—when she fed on the blood of either Kallisto or her commander, Mara was absorbing magic from the divine’s soul. Though she didn’t feel any different.
Glancing back at the old man, the huntress noticed a group of people behind him. They were walking away. Six of the seven heroes, who defeated Aazalith a thousand years ago, left this world. Their spirits were able to rest in peace now their tasks were done. They faded away and were never seen again.
Mr. White watched her in confusion. He glanced to whatever she was looking at before returning his gaze to her. “Mara?”
She looked back at a very concerned Mr. White. Tears welled up in her eyes.
“It’s finally over.” Mara broke down and sobbed.
The former college professor gave a sad smile and placed a hand on her shoulder.
Without warning, the ground shook and a roar bellowed from deep within the earth. Mara shot up to her feet, realizing it was another earthquake. Rocks fell from above as more of the chamber gave way. Knowing they couldn’t stay, the two fled back to whence they came. At least Mara knew her way around the Dark Labyrinth.
***
The morning sun greeted them as they left the labyrinth. Mara found herself in a familiar place. She and Mr. White ran down the mountain trail overlooking Ozin Village. They were not out of the woods yet. Looking back, they watched the mountain falling down. The Temple of Kallisto was rocked from it
s foundation and shattered into several pieces; nothing remained of the temple. Running down to the village, the old man couldn’t keep up, so she grabbed his arm and pulled him along while the rocks fell near them. He screamed, but the huntress couldn’t hear what he was saying over the roar of the earth.
Upon reaching Ozin Village, a few people saw them. At first, they were wondering what they were doing here, but noticed the roar growing louder and the mountain coming down.
“Evacuate this village!” Mara yelled over the earthquake.
The villagers didn’t hesitate. They went to every household, making sure everyone escaped the cataclysm. Even the huntress and the former college professor helped out. Checking the last house, she spotted Alderman Nigel trapped below a fallen bookshelf. She remembered him as the one who ordered her execution after Saskia’s murder. Right now, she didn’t care. Mara grabbed the bookshelf, then lifted it off of him. Nigel was mystified as she helped him up to escape.
Mara, Mr. White, and the villagers got to safety and not a moment too soon. Golden Mountain came down and crushed everything in its path. Nothing remained of Ozin. It was very fortunate there were no casualties, though many were unhappy about losing their homes.
***
Mara stayed with Mr. White while waiting for a transport to Mirahyll. She once made a habit to avoid Ozin Village, but didn’t have a choice considering the circumstances. Glancing around, she noticed the lack of Holy Blades. Ozin once decided to use them instead of the Silver Thorns because Nigel believed Saskia was inept at defending the village. Now it seemed the former village was without any form of protection. For how long, the huntress did not know. As far as she was concerned, they weren’t around to help with the evacuation.
It didn’t take long for Mirahyll to learn of the cataclysm and send carriages, supplies, and doctors for the displaced inhabitants. The convoy arrived within a couple of hours. Much to her surprise, the chancellor was among them.
Davis saw Mara and approached. “Oh, you’re alive. That’s good,” he spoke. He glanced up at the mountain, or what was left of it. He was surprised by the unexpected cataclysm. Even the temple could no longer be seen. The other villagers also approached them, looking for answers.
Mara lifted her gaze to Davis. “Kallisto is dead,” she began.
This surprised the chancellor and anyone who heard.
“So, it’s true?” Davis asked. “The guardsmen told me the followers of Kallikratés went mad and attacked them. They had no choice but to engage them in battle. We lost quite a few of our own, yet were able to arrest a handful of followers and retrieve the dead.”
She nodded. “It was a good thing you sent them.” Mara looked at Mr. White. “If not for them, we wouldn’t be here.”
The former college professor nodded in agreement.
The chancellor held his hands behind his back. “Well, I’m glad you’re okay.” Davis explained, “Considering all that happened, Evan and I decided to hold a referendum in the next few days regarding the Faith of Kallikratés. My office had received many complaints, as well as a petition demanding at least the reduction of power, or the complete dismantling of the Faith in Ardana.”
Mara figured this would happen, but was still surprised to know many more people are standing up against Kallikratés. Not only did it fill her with hope, it made her proud of her home. Ardana’s governments were finally listening to the people.
“Well, I suspect it’ll probably be dismantled,” she said. “I told the truth. Kallisto and Kratés were never gods in the first place. They stole the soul of a divine for power, and that power destroyed them in the end. Many of their followers were aware of this.”
Everyone stared at her in shock. Davis’ jaw dropped open.
“Yes, everything she says is true. I was there when it all happened,” Mr. White added.
Chancellor Davis cleared his throat. “We will consider it,” he said. “Regarding the Faith’s dealings with the Blackthorn Guild, we have testimony from Father Vernon. Though he might’ve confessed to save himself. Still, the vandalism to the city and the murder of the Moen brothers was the breaking point. We could no longer allow the Faith to do as they please.”
“You managed to arrest some members of the Faith?” Mara inquired.
“Yes, we did.” Davis gave a strange look. “Though something very strange happened. Some of the ones we arrested fell into a catatonic state. It’s as if they witnessed something very horrific.”
“Their goddess transformed into a horrible creature,” Mara said. “Many died of shock.” She stood up and changed the subject. “So, what’s next for Ardana?”
Davis pondered this. “The Holy Blades are no more. Most of the Faith’s members are gone. If we decide to dismantle the Faith, we must figure out what to do with the Grand Cathedral. Most of the other temples and buildings can be torn down or repurposed. Still, there are a few who remain and must answer for their crimes.” The chancellor eyed Mr. White, knowing he was a member of the Faith.
She took notice. “He never had much say in the everyday operations of the Faith. In fact, he wanted to leave and have nothing to do with Kallikratés ever again.”
“Oh, I see.” The chancellor watched the former college professor. “I thought you were leaving for Corlin. Weren’t you looking for a doctor for the commander’s amnesia?”
“We were,” the old man answered. “But the Faith captured us. Karl was brainwashed.” He gestured to Mara. “We tried to save him, but he died.”
“I’m very sorry,” Davis said solemnly. “It’ll be impossible to retrieve his remains. We don’t know how unstable the cataclysm has made the area. As of now, Golden Mountain is off limits except for those who have special permission.” The chancellor switched his attention to the mountain ruins. “Now, if you excuse me. I must survey the damage.”
As he was about to walk away, Mara followed after him. After hearing about the possibility of the land being free from Kallikratés’ control, a thought crossed her mind.
“Sir,” she called. Davis stopped and looked back at her. “Will travel to Thoron be possible?”
The chancellor nodded. “Since the Faith is in no condition to impose those laws in Ardana, making contact will be possible,” Davis explained. “It’ll take a while, considering Har’ Yhan’s port was damaged, but the town has been declared safe to return to. Once we cast the referendum and repair Har’ Yhan’s port, then we’ll attempt to open peaceful dialogue with Thoron.” Then he questioned, “Why do you ask this?”
“I’m leaving Ardana. The answer to removing my curse is in Thoron.”
The chancellor nodded. “Very well. As I’ve said before, it’ll take some time. But I have reason to believe travel to Thoron will be possible.” With that, Davis left to look over the damage caused by the fallen mountain.
While watching him leave, Mara could sense Mr. White approaching her.
“Mara, please return to Mirahyll with me.”
She looked back at him. The old man froze as soon as her eyes fell on him.
“Why should I return with you?” Mara asked.
Mr. White regained his composure. “I don’t have much time left, but I need to go home and make some changes. I had Karl’s name in my will. He was to inherit everything upon my death. Now he’s gone. I wish to add yours instead.”
She shook her head. “You do realize he’s dead because of me.”
“I don’t blame you for his death. You did what you had to do,” he said. “After all that happened, this is the least I can do to apologize. Everything I have shall belong to you. I also offer my home for the time being.”
She was surprised by his offer. Then again, the huntress no longer had a home.
“Please, come with me,” the old man pleaded again.
Mara sighed. “Fine,” she said, “but I hope I can still trust you.”
Mr. White nodded. “I promise I won’t let you down again.”
She stood there for a while before stridi
ng over to him.
***
The two boarded an available transport for a return trip to Mirahyll. Gazing back at the ruins of Golden Mountain, Mara noticed something unusual. A lone figure stood before the collapsed entrance to the Dark Labyrinth. It was alone while everyone else was being evacuated from the area. Possibly a survivor, but after what happened, the chance of finding any more survivors were slim. No one seemed to notice the figure, only she saw it. Stranger still, the figure was staring right at her. She couldn’t look away.
“Mara?” Mr. White called. She snapped her gaze away from the mountain and glanced back at him. The old man watched her with concern. “What’s the matter?”
“I thought I saw someone near the entrance.”
The old man looked out the window and gazed to where the huntress claimed to have seen the figure. He squinted. “I don’t see anything.”
Confused, Mara peered back to where she saw the figure. It was gone. She surveyed the mountain to see if maybe it moved, but couldn’t find the person. It was as if it vanished while she turned away. Maybe it was a ghost? It wouldn’t be the first time Mara saw one. Nor would it be a major surprise. Several people died on that mountain. The thought of the spectre being Kallisto did cross the huntress’ mind, but the false goddess’ spirit was destroyed. While searching for the ghost, Mara heard Mr. White whimpering.
Gazing back at the old man, Mara saw tears flowing from his eyes. Mr. White’s face was red from crying.
Mara watched him in concern. “What’s wrong?”
He looked back at her. Despite his tears, a sparkle remained in his eyes. “Oh, I’m sorry,” he sniffled. “It’s just… I can’t believe it’s finally happened.”
Mara understood him. It had to be a great burden to serve the Faith of Kallikratés, and hide Karl’s dark secrets. Looking at him now, the huntress saw a different man than before. He was happy knowing he no longer had an obligation to serve the Faith, Kallisto, and Karl ever again.
The Cursed Herald Page 28